SEYMOUR, Ind., July 30, 2026 — A multistate investigation originating with a suspected drug exchange in California resulted in the seizure of 42 kilograms of cocaine and the arrests of two Florida men allegedly involved in an interstate narcotics-trafficking operation.
Detectives launched the investigation several months ago after observing what they believed was a narcotics handoff in Ontario, California. Evidence gathered during the investigation, combined with statements later made by a truck driver, suggested that commercial vehicles were allegedly being used to transport cocaine, marijuana, other illicit drugs and substantial amounts of cash across state lines.
Using the Flock automated license-plate-reader system, investigators traced a tractor-trailer’s route from California through several states. Indiana State Police received an alert Thursday indicating that a vehicle associated with the suspected operation had entered Indiana.
At approximately 3:13 p.m., troopers encountered the tractor-trailer during a Level I Department of Transportation inspection at a commercial weigh station along Interstate 65 near Seymour. Authorities said the driver’s demeanor and inconsistencies discovered during the inspection prompted further investigation.
The driver, identified as a 45-year-old resident of Hallandale Beach, Florida, told investigators he was traveling from California to Ohio. A bill of lading in his possession identified Fontana, California, as the shipment’s point of origin and Canton, Ohio, as the scheduled delivery destination. According to authorities, the driver consented to a search of the truck’s cab and trailer.
Detectives allegedly found vacuum-sealed packages containing approximately 42 kilograms of cocaine inside the sleeper berth. Investigators also recovered $26,874 in vacuum-sealed cash believed to be associated with narcotics trafficking.
The driver was arrested and transported to jail while investigators examined his suspected role in transporting or storing narcotics. Authorities impounded the tractor and trailer for further examination.
Statements reportedly provided by the driver directed investigators to the vehicle’s registered owner, a 41-year-old resident of Sunny Isles Beach, Florida. Authorities allege that the owner coordinated cocaine shipments and handled proceeds generated by the organization’s drug sales.
The owner was initially detained at a South Florida airport in connection with an unrelated offense. Authorities later took him into custody on charges related to the trafficking investigation. He now faces conspiracy and multiple drug-, weapons- and money-related charges. Both men are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Indiana State Police, the Seymour Police Department, the Jackson County Mobile Command and Communications Support Team, narcotics detectives and law-enforcement agencies in other jurisdictions participated in the investigation.
A Seymour Police Department spokesperson emphasized the importance of cooperation between agencies when investigating organized trafficking networks.
“Illegal drug trafficking and the possession of dangerous weapons continue to pose a serious threat to the safety of our residents,” the spokesperson said. “We will continue working with our law-enforcement partners to dismantle operations that place our communities at risk.”
Authorities have obtained additional search warrants and said further arrests remain possible. The investigation is ongoing.
